Greeleyville one of 24 municipalities awarded grants totaling over $13 million

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Communities across the state are slated to benefit from public improvement projects supported by nearly $13.3 million in funds from the latest round of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The South Carolina Department of Commerce is awarding CDBG funds to these 24 local municipalities, representing 12,591 residents with the Town of Greeleyville awarded $362,150 for sewer extension. First term Mayor Jessie Parker said the funding will allow for expansion outside the city. “We are glad to receive it because it will help to enhance some of the surrounding areas,” said Parker who added the application was sent in prior to his being elected Mayor of Greeleyville. “These areas are affected by what happens here in Greeleyville.” The areas are located south of the city and include Bloody Bucket Road, Executive Drive and Tip Top Road.

Commerce awards CDBG funds in the fall and the spring of each year. Selected through a statewide competitive process, local governments receiving CDBG funding are required to provide at least a 10 percent match in funding to complete the projects. Approximately 69 percent of the 12,591 citizens that will benefit from the improvements in this grant round are considered in low- to moderate-income residents. Additionally, 96 percent of funds awarded will directly impact residents in Tier II, III and IV counties, which are not considered to be “developed.” “The success of our business recruitment starts with having strong infrastructure and a good quality of life,” said Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. “Through these improvements to public infrastructure, we continue to help ‘set the table’ for economic development in communities across South Carolina.”

Grant funds are allocated on an annual basis to South Carolina from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Commerce administers the CDBG program on the state’s behalf. CDBG assists communities in providing housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities.

All grants awarded through the CDBG program must meet at least one of three objectives:

•Benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

•Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions.

•Meet other urgent community development needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to public health and welfare, and where other financial resources are not readily available to meet such needs.

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